1. We seek to elucidate how menin suppresses endocrine cells, such as pancreatic beta cells, via regulating histone methylations and expression of pro-proliferative genes. We are also interested in identifying menin-regulated key pathways that can be suppressed to inhibit neuroendocrine tumors.

2. Determining how menin, which acts as a tumor promoter in MLL fusion protein-induced leukemia, cooperates with wild-type MLL protein to promote leukemia and how the menin and wt MLL axis can be suppressed to improve therapy for this aggressive leukemia.

3. Understanding how inhibition of menin leads to reversal of established diabetes in mouse models and determining whether the menin pathway could be explored to ameliorate diabetes.

4. Investigating the interplay between menin, post-transcriptional modifications of menin, and TGF-ß signaling in repressing pancreatic beta cells. As both menin and TGF-ß inhibit cell proliferation, we will test whether menin and TGF-ß cooperate to suppress beta cell proliferation and the underlying mechanisms, using biochemical studies and mouse models.

These comprehensive approaches will provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms for MEN1 tumorigenesis, regulation of beta cells, and leukemogenesis, shedding light on improving therapy against neuroendocrine tumors, leukemia, and diabetes.